The Golden Eagles Continuing History 2024

Introduction: 

The 62nd annual reunion of the Early and Pioneer Naval Aviators Association (Golden Eagles) was held at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville River Port Hotel in Jacksonville, Florida, with Board of Governors Meeting, New Member introductions, and Welcome Aboard Reception occurring on Thursday the 25th of April followed by the golf tournament, and the St. Augustine tour on Friday the 26th. On Saturday the 27th of April the General Membership met with Flight photographs followed by the Ladies Luncheon, the Memorial Service, and ending in a formal reception and banquet that evening. The Southeast Flight sponsored the reunion and 265 members and guests attended.

Golden Eagles New Member Introductions: 

Maj Lew Hoyt, USMC (Ret), West Flight, 5 Mar 24
LtGen Jon M. Davis, USMC (Ret), West Flight, 29 Dec 23
CAPT Daniel N. Dixon, USN (Ret), Northeast Flight, 16 Oct 23
CAPT Kent R. Aitcheson, USN (Ret), Central Flight, 5 Sep 23
RDML Gregory M. Nosal, USN (Ret), Southeast Flight, 31 Aug 23
CAPT Gregory C. Wooldridge, USN (Ret), West Flight, 28 May 23
Col Stephen A. Hanvey, USMC (Ret), Southeast Flight, 26 May 23
CAPT Jesse J. Stewart, USN (Ret), Northeast Flight, 18 May 23
RDML James A. Symonds, USN (Ret), West Flight, 14 May 23
CAPT Richard D. Evert, USN (Ret), West Flight, 14 May 23
CAPT James R. O’Hora, USN (Ret), Southeast Flight, 14 May 23
RADM David L. Philman, USN (Ret), Central Flight, 8 May 23
RADM Andrew A. Granuzzo, USN (Ret), Southeast Flight, 7 May 23
CAPT James H. Ruliffson, USN (Ret), Northeast Flight, 2022
Gen Glenn M. Walters, USMC (Ret), Southeast Flight, 2020

Golden Eagles Memorial Service: 

VADM Richard H. Truly, USN (Ret), 27 Feb 24, West Flight, Emeritus
RADM G.A. Aitcheson, USN (Ret), 25 Jan 24, West Flight, Emeritus
CAPT Robert E. Tucker, Jr, USN (Ret), 16 Dec 23, Northeast Flight, Emeritus
MajGen Dennis T. Krupp, USMC (Ret), 5 Dec 23, Southeast Flight
RADM William E. Newman, USN (Ret), 4 Dec 23, West Flight
ADM Leighton W. Smith, Jr., USN (Ret), 28 Nov 23, Southeast Flight, Emeritus
CDR Robert F. Aumack, USN (Ret), 21 Nov 23, West Flight, Emeritus
RADM James A. Robb, USN (Ret), 1 Nov 23, Northeast Flight
CAPT Jerry L. Terrell, USN (Ret), 26 Oct 23, Southeast Flight, Emeritus
Col Walter R. Ledbetter, USMC (Ret), 9 Aug 23, Southeast Flight, Emeritus
RDML Jimmie W. Taylor, USN (Ret), 11 Jul 23, Central Flight, Emeritus
CAPT John J. Lahr, USN (Ret), 14 May 23, West Flight, Emeritus
ADM James B. Busey, IV, USN (Ret), 21 Apr 23, West Flight, Emeritus

Golden Eagles’ Wives and Widows: 

Loretta Penn, 27 Feb 24, wife of CAPT Buddie J. Penn, USN (Ret)
Mitch Tinker, 19 Jan 24, wife of CAPT Charles L. Tinker, USN (Ret)
Nicole St Germain Sullivan, 22 Nov 23, wife of MajGen Mike Sullivan, USMC (Ret)
Joan Giuliani, 19 Sep 23, wife of CAPT Leonard E. Giuliani, USN (Ret)
Marilyn Lovell, 27 Aug 23, wife of CAPT James A. Lovell, Jr, USN (Ret)
Barbara Tuttle, 25 Aug 23, widow of VADM Jerry O. Tuttle, USN (Ret)
Sharon Lee Ruliffson, 2 Aug 23, wife of CAPT James Ruliffson, USN (Ret)
Gay Boecker, 18 Jun 23, wife of RADM Don Boecker, USN (Ret)
Kathryn Knutson, 20 May 23, wife of CAPT William D. Knutson, USN (Ret)

Golden Eagles 2024 Annual Membership Meeting Minutes: 

Pilot Stalder called the meeting to order at 0900 EDT in Jacksonville, FL. 

Pilot Stalder led the Members in the Pledge of Allegiance

Pilot Stalder asked the Chief Pilot for any opening comments.

Chief Pilot Comments: RADM Fred Lewis

Thank you, Pilot, I want to take this brief opportunity to say a couple words about you… Being the Pilot of this group of 200 type A personalities is not for the faint of heart. And sir, you Keith Stalder, Pilot extraordinaire, did an absolutely masterful job over the last two years. You led us through thick and thin, and some challenges to our identity and who we are and maintained the legacy of what we, the Golden Eagles are, maintained those kinds of principles and desires like the people who came before us… and I would say that in my 25 years as a Golden Eagle I've seen 12 Pilots over time that includes me, and of those 12 pilots I think, head and shoulders above, you are the very best of those…

Pilot’s Report: LtGen Keith Stalder 

* Thanks to the Flight Deck for assistance and active participation.
* Thanks to the Flight Leaders.
* Thanks to the Board members for comments, questions, votes, and approvals for transitions.
* Thanks to committee members for volunteering to do the business of the association.
* Special thanks to Denny Irelan for outstanding work to publish NOTAMS and Special Notices and to JR Davis for minding our website.
* A special thanks to Sundance and Southeast Flight for doing such a fantastic job planning and executing this reunion.
* Two Board of Governors decisions which were researched, vetted, and voted on by email last year and during the Board of Governor’s meeting yesterday will be provided for information and recorded in these minutes.

Co-Pilot’s Report: VADM Marty Chanik

Co-Pilot Marty Chanik offered up his thanks to all involved with the reunion, from planning to execution. He also thanked Pilot for his contributions to the Golden Eagles and willingness to share his efforts with me. He has been a great teammate and helped me throughout my tenure.

Navigator’s Report: RADM Matt Moffit 

A motion to approve was made, seconded, and the minutes were approved.

The Golden Eagle Membership now includes:
* 192 Regular members
*   64 Emeritus members
*     2 Honorary members

During the year: 

15 members were accepted into the Golden Eagles (West: 2, Southeast: 8, Northeast: 2, Central: 3)
13 members (10 Emeritus, 3 Regular) made their Last Take Off
14 members transferred to Emeritus (West: 4, Southeast: 5, Northeast: 4, Central: 1)
10 Golden Eagle Ladies passed away. There were no resignations.

Radio Officer’s Report: LtCol Mike Stortz

This is the final Financial Report of FY 2024. It consists of the following three statements: Income Statement, Cash Flow Statement and Balance Sheet. Fiscal Year 2024 runs from 1 Apr 23 to 31 Mar 24. The accounting basis is cash, and all amounts are rounded to the nearest whole dollar and compared to the results for FY 2023.

Notes:

1. Incorporation. Articles of Incorporation were filed on 27 April 2023. All banking accounts with NFCU were converted to corporate accounts shortly thereafter. A new corporate account was established with Fidelity Investments providing access to higher yielding financial instruments, including US Treasuries. A Treasury Direct account has been established but is on hold pending clarification of linked accounts ACH-transfer account numbers.

2. Investment Strategy and Performance. The primary goals are to preserve capital and to achieve the best risk-free return on uncommitted capital. This fiscal year the best such returns were in shorter duration instruments due to the inverted nature of the yield curve. The strategy employed was to acquire a mixed portfolio composed of long-term laddered CDs, short-term laddered T-bills and the remainder in immediately-available Money Market funds. Specifically, a portfolio of (4) 12-month CDs was acquired with overlapping maturities such that one CD matures every three months thus mitigating duration risk. Concurrently, a portfolio of (3) 3-month T-bills was established with overlapping maturities such that one T-bill matures every month. The proportion of invested funds was distributed (approximately) as follows: 30% long-term, 30% short-term and 40% Money Market funds. This was a transition year as the strategy was implemented and existing positions matured and were rolled over to the higher yielding instruments. Only one legacy CD remains with a yield less than 5% and it matures in July 2024. The total yield across all instruments and durations was $3,358, the equivalent of an additional 30 dues-paying members.

3. Dues Collection. After the 2023 Reunion, a late fee was established to provide a tangible consequence to delinquency in paying dues. This year 8.2% (16) of the Regular Members were delinquent but 12 had made some form of contact to report that the check was in the mail. Consequently, only 4 Late Fee Assessment letters were issued and all ultimately completed their dues obligation. By comparison, there were 15% of the member delinquent in 2023. It appears the potential for a Late Fee had a positive effect on the dues collection process. 

4.Disbursements & Earmarks. Annually, we donate funds to the National Aviation Museum Foundation, the Navy – Marine Corps Relief Society and the Coast Guard Mutual Aid. We also fund the annual Test Pilot of the Year Award (Tomlinson Award) as described in our Constitution & Bylaws. Furthermore, we support the Golden Eagle Flight that is hosting the annual reunion with a nominal grant of $10K. From time to time there are donations that are provided to support the reunions and those funds are held as Earmarks until disbursed at the appropriate time. Apart from the annual $10K support for the flights, there are Earmarks in the aggregate amount of $34.1K to be disbursed to the four flights in the next 4 years. Operating Expenses. This year there was an extraordinary expense for Service Flags and Memorial Bells for each of the flights. For comparison to previous years, this year’s 

5. Operating Expenses. This year there was an extraordinary expense for Service Flags and Memorial Bells for each of the flights. For comparison to previous years, this year’s Operating Expense (less Extraordinary Expense) is $4,186, in line with FY23 accounting for inflation of 12.4%. The graph following shows the 5-year comparison of core revenue vs core expenditures (i.e. less donations), indicating a comfortable margin.

In Summary:

Engineer Officer / Historian Report:

This year, with the help of “Size” Sizemore and Dave Kunkle, I have updated The Golden Eagles Chrono MS Excel Sheet by moving 13 members to the LTO file and adding 15 new members’ information to the active file. With Size’s technical expertise and some perseverance on my part, JR Davis posted the updated Excel sheet on 01 April meeting deadline for the 2024 reunion. This will provide the data to update our Golden Eagles Historical Summary (1956 to Present) with all the information that is supplied by our list of biographies. The updated excel sheet will give our members an opportunity to check their individual data taken from their bios and forward corrections to the Engineer. This is a living document of our history as members and as an organization! 

Which brings me to my final comment: We were missing one biography from 2015 which has now been completed. Over the past year Dave Kunkel and I have sent a number of completed biographies to JR Davis to be placed on the webpage. We are up to date on all our previously selected new members.

Nominating Committee Report: LtCol Howard DeCastro

Site Selection Committee Report: Presented by CAPT Jeff Harrison

The 2024 Site Selection Committee met via Zoom call on 26 January 2024 to review the status of the 2024 Jacksonville, FL, 2025 Coeur d’Alene, ID, 2026 Lansdowne, VA reunions, and Central Flight’s search for a potential 2027 reunion site.

Southeast Flight: Jeff Harrison gave a brief status of the 24-28 April 2024 reunion in Jacksonville, Florida. All is on track with lots being done and more to do, of course. On track.

West Flight: Rodger Welch commented that the planning and agenda for the canceled 2021 reunion in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, has rolled over to the 2025 reunion, scheduled for 23-27 April 2025. The contract with the hotel is in place and the new planning team is working on planning and execution. Rodger will visit Coeur ‘d Alene after the Jacksonville reunion. On track.

Northeast Flight: Dave Seder reminded all that the Lansdowne Resort is the clear preference after looking at other sites. Dates are 6 to 13 April, 2026. We have a signed contract and the hotel is being very helpful. A list of nearby restaurants will be provided. On track. 

Central Flight: Dan Gabriel discussed the Flight's research on a potential 2027 site and the favorite possibility is Pensacola FL. It’s been many years since a reunion was held in Pensacola and with several Central Flight members living there, the planning and execution of a Pensacola reunion is appealing. The committee agreed that it be proposed to the Board of Governors and the Members that Pensacola be approved and that Central flight and AFRI then plan accordingly. If their research reveals an obstacle that would preclude it as a site, Gabby will report back. If approved and no “show-stoppers” emerge, Central Flight will sign a contract. On track.

Hotel facilities to host large meetings: 

* Memorial Service seating for 300 pp to 350 pp
* Membership Meeting seating for 200 pp to 250 pp
* Welcome Reception seating for 250 pp, and
* Banquet seating for 350 pp
* It’s very advantageous if some of the sponsoring Flight members live locally.
* Minimum bus movement of attendees (Golf and tours are fine).
* Ready Room with capacity for 100 pp to 150 pp at one time.
* Dining available in the hotel for all three meals each day with seating capacity for our guests
* Room Service with hours that accommodate our guests.          .
* Hotel proximity to restaurants and other attractions.
* In walking distance or a short taxi/Uber/Lyft ride.
* Room prices (AFRI or West Flight’s facilitator will negotiate final prices but a rough order of  magnitude from the web site).
* Non-stop airline service from most cities and relatively economical ticket prices to the city
* Plan for an April to early May reunion (not in the week before Mothers’ Day).
* Early April is better if weather at the location is OK then.
* If we’ve had good success with a venue in the past, a return visit is a definite plus.

Other items: 

It may be helpful to ask a Flight Leader to consider remaining as the Flight Lead for an additional year to lead execution / host the reunion which was planned on his watch, subject to Board of Governors' and Members’ approvals, of course. This would be entirely at his discretion. Alternatively, becoming a member of the Flight’s reunion committee after turning over Flight lead duties might be an option, as well.

Continue the use of Zoom calls for planning and coordination. Shadow offered to host as needed for the Flights and Flight Deck. 

Frosty suggested that Flight Leaders get the Pilot’s guidance and intent for the reunion early in the planning effort and periodically throughout, if needed.

Shadow reminded all that our AFRI and their West Flight counterparts are our spokespeople / interface and “go to” hospitality experts. For Flights initiating their searches, it’s suggested that the Flight first consult with them for several possible sites before down selecting to a likely candidate location. And, to please ensure that they are in the lead working / negotiating / communicating with the hotels and vendors on our behalf. It’s fine for the Flights to research diligently, but not get ahead of the hospitality experts. They are our best source of continuity and knowledge.

Membership Selection Committee Chairman Report: VADM John Mazach 

VADM Mazach opened the briefing with process background. The MSC considered 30 Navy (4 Last Looks, 18 First Looks and 1 Cat II), 12 Marine (2 Last Looks, 8 First Looks) and 2 Coast Guard for membership. The results were that 13 Navy, 4 Marine, and 1 Coast Guard candidates selected. The most important issue is the quality of the candidates. The age span of all selectees was 62 to 82 years. Of the last looks, the MSC selected 1 Navy and zero Marines.

"Honorary GE memberships The Chief Pilot asked for confirmation that a decision had been made to never have another Honorary GE. After a discussion of the history and challenges of Honorary Memberships, it was decided to review the issue for final determination next year. The Navigator will add it to Old Business for the 2021 BOG meeting.”

Due to COVID restrictions, the 2021 BOG Meeting was conducted virtually via Zoom and once again the issue was addressed but kicked forward to the 2021 meeting, quote: 

"Honorary GE membership category—At last year’s board meeting it was the sense of the board that this category could be discontinued with the departure of the current honorary members. However, it was to be discussed again at this board meeting. After discussion, it was decided to have this issue included in the agenda for the membership category review ad hoc committee led by Bill McCamy (as mentioned above under MSC Chairman remarks)“

However, because Bill McCamy made his Last Take Off prior to the 2022 BOG meeting, and due to omission of the issue in Old Business, there was no further discussion of a way ahead at the 2022 BOG meeting. 

The Pilot proposed a BOG Resolution to be incorporated in the Membership Directory that states no new Honorary Members have been nominated in many years, and that the category be eliminated from "Article II, Section 1., c. Honorary Member" of the By Laws after the Last Take Off of the last remaining Honorary Member. That would set the precedent and, rightfully, defer the change to the By Laws until the condition for the change is met. The proposal was unanimously accepted by the Board of Governors. 

Pilot Stalder asked for any items of New Business 

No new business was brought forward. 

Pilot Stalder asked the Chief Pilot for any final comments. 

RADM Fred Lewis remarked that the remaining two Honorary members were Larry Garrett, former Secretary of the Navy and Barrett Tillman, historian and author. 

Closing remarks: 

The Pilot thanked all for their attendance and engagement. 

A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved. The meeting was adjourned at 0951 EDT.

2024 - 2025 Flight Leader Consolidated Reports:

West Flight History April 2024 – April 2025

Following an exceptionally planned and skillfully executed Southeast Flight Golden Eagles Reunion in Jacksonville Florida at the Hyatt Riverfront hotel from 24 – 28 April 2024, the West Flight settled back into our standard schedule of periodic events and activities with the following exceptions as recapped in the below executive summary. 

All Quarters April 2024 – April 2025 

On the first Thursday and first Friday of every month, many West Flight Golden Eagles participate in what is locally known as the ‘Unconcerned Citizens’ lunches at the ADM Baker golf clubhouse and the ‘Bubba breakfasts’ at the MCAS Miramar golf clubhouse. Additionally, several West Flight Golden Eagles participate in the monthly Tailhook local Ready Room socials in the evening of the third Thursday of the month at various places in San Diego to include the world famous I-Bar on NAS North Island, Casa Machado at Montgomery airfield, the MCAS Miramar Officers’ Club, and the Kansas City Bar-B-Que amongst others. West Flight honorary pallbearer participation at Golden Eagle Last Takeoff services conducted in the Northeast Flight’s operating area at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) and the United States Naval Academy (USNA) chapel and cemetery during this report period included:

Additionally, several West Flight Golden Eagles participate in the monthly Tailhook local Ready Room socials in the evening of the third Thursday of the month at various places in San Diego to include the world famous I-Bar on NAS North Island, Casa Machado at Montgomery airfield, the MCAS Miramar Officers’ Club, and the Kansas City Bar-B-Que amongst others. 

West Flight honorary pallbearer participation at Golden Eagle Last Takeoff services conducted in the Northeast Flight’s operating area at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) and the United States Naval Academy (USNA) chapel and cemetery during this report period included: 

April 2024 – April 2025 

In April 2024, Golden Eagles from all flights participated in the A-6 Intruder Association reunion in San Diego, Ca. This event joined forces with the San Diego Tailhook Ready room monthly social at the San Diego Air and Space Museum gathering 120 plus participants, more than 20 of whom were Golden Eagles. Also in April, several West Flight Golden Eagles joined the bi-annual A-7 Corsair II reunion called the ‘SLUF Fest’ in St. Augustine Florida. West Flight Golden Eagle CAPT Greg ‘Rugdance’ WOOLDRIDGE USN (Ret) provided a brief on the ‘The Blue Angels’ documentary as well as a short-trailer glimpse into the making of the movie. 

In May 2024, Golden West Flight Golden Eagle CAPT Rodger WELCH and Northeast Flight Golden Eagle RADM Mike MANAZIR both USN (Ret), participated in the annual Landing Signals Officer Operational Advisory Group conducted in the Alumni Hall at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Both Golden Eagles provided historical briefings to over 60 active-duty LSOs and engineers participating in this conference. Next, several West Flight Golden Eagles joined Golden Eagles from other flights participating in the annual Retired Flag Officers/ Aviation Flag Officers seminar conducted in Pensacola, Florida. The conference ended with an Active-Duty Flag and General Officer panel lead by the Commander Naval Forces, Pacific Fleet VADM Dan ‘Undra’ Cheever USN (‘Air Boss’) at the National Naval Aviation Museum on Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. Next, West Flight Golden Eagles attended the annual Naval Helicopter Association (NHA) reunion in Rincon, California. The guest speaker was again the current Air Boss and he was introduced by a video provided by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), ADM Lisa Franchetti USN. Next, West Flight Golden Eagles participated in the TOPGUN 55th Anniversary reunion in San Diego, California. The final event in this reunion was a key-note speech from former Navy SEAL ADM Bill McRaven USN (Ret). West Flight Golden Eagles then participated in the annual Memorial Day Celebration sponsored by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and VFW Post 2422. 14 wreaths were dedicated in memory of US service members at Star Park in Coronado, California including a wreath paying tribute to fallen Naval Aviators. The guest speakers at this reflective and inspiring event were Coronado’s Mayor Richard Bailey and the Air Boss. Finally in May, West Flight Golden Eagles participated the Wings Over American Scholarship Foundation (WOASF) scholarship awardee presentation conducted at the world famous I-Bar on NAS North Island, California. 

In June 2024, several West Flight Golden Eagles participated in the ‘Fight on to Victory’ Commemoration and Celebration Gala’ onboard the USS Midway Museum in San Diego, California. Guest speakers included United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard leadership from the San Diego area. Additionally, West Flight Golden Eagles visited another USN Aircraft carrier museum to participate in the Bay Area Tailhook Ready Room and USS Hornet luncheon and gathering. West Flight Golden Eagle CAPT Greg ‘Rugdance’ WOOLDRIDGE USN (Ret) briefed the attending San Francisco audience on the ‘The Blue Angels’ documentary. Also in June, several West flight Golden Eagles and some Golden Eagle spouses attended the official League of Wives Monument dedication ceremony in Star Park, Coronado, California. This ceremony honored the courageous efforts of the military spouses advocating for better treatment and ultimately the return of POW / MIA service members from Vietnam. Eleven of the original League of Ladies, many of whom still live in Coronado, joined almost 600 attendees for the unveiling of the sculpture. The monument portrays Sybil Stockdale, former Golden Eagle VADM Jim STOCKDALE USN (Ret)’s wife leading three other women who were instrumental in the League of Wives successes at the time. Keynote speakers included Coronado City Mayor Richard Bailey, Alexia Palacios Peters and Dr. Christina Slentz, Co-chairs of the League of Wives Memorial Project. Sid and Taylor Stockdale, two of the Stockdale children, also shared heartfelt stories about Stockdale family waiting for their father’s return and their mother’s patience, strength and resolve during that time. 

In July 2024, many West Flight Golden Eagles and their spouses participated in or attended the annual Coronado, California Independence Day parade on Coronado’s Orange Avenue. Golden Eagle CDR “Chuck” SWEENEY USN (Ret) was a celebrity in the parade riding in the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) Society’s motorcade as the president of their society. 

In August 2024, several West Flight Golden Eagles participated in a memorial plaque dedication for former Golden Eagle CAPT Robert W. “Brick” NELSON Jr. USN (Ret). This tribute was conducted at the Mount Soledad National Veteran’s Memorial in La Jolla, California. Speakers for this ceremony were Brick’s brother, Mr. Owen Nelson, VADM Cutler Dawson USN (Ret), Brick’s Carrier Strike Group Commander onboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65) when Brick was the Commander of Carrier Airwing THREE, and West Flight Golden Eagle lead, CAPT Rodger WELCH USN (Ret). The highlight of the Mount Soledad dedication was a combined NAS Lemoore-based Joint Strike Fighter Wing and Strike Fighter Wing Pacific four-plane flight conducting a precise, on-target, on-time formation flyover with the missing-man pitch-out maneuver directly in front of the eighty plus attendees. Dash one and two were F-35 Lightning Stealth Fighters flown by VFA-86 pilots LCDR J.D. Tip’ Davis II and LT Samuel ‘Clouf’ Monroe, dash three and four were VFA-122 FA-18 Super Hornets flown by LT ‘LAZER’ Sisco and LT ‘Lil’ Butch Weber from VFA-115. Following the Mount Soledad dedication, guests moved to Coronado’s VFW Post 2422 to join at least 50 others already there celebrating Brick’s life. After landing at NAS North Island, the four active-duty flyover pilots also joined the VFW event celebrating Brick still wearing their flight suits. Also in August, more than a dozen Golden Eagles from all flights participated in two events honoring former Golden Eagle RADM Kenneth W. “Pete”/ “Viper” PETTIGREW USN (Ret). The first event was a funeral service at the Miramar National Cemetery. This event also culminated in another perfectly executed four-jet missing man flyover. The four FA-18 Super Hornets hailed from the Navy Fighter Weapons School (NFWS) as did three of the four pilots. Dash-one however, leading from the front of the flight honoring TOPGUN’s early former instructors ‘Viper’ Pettigrew was COMNAVAIRPAC / COMNAVAIRFOR actual, the “Air Boss”, VADM Dan Cheever USN. The second event was a celebration of life for Pete Pettigrew on the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum. This event was widely attended bringing in well over two hundred guests from all walks of life and all over the country to join Viper’s life celebration. Then, from 22-24 August, the Tailhook Association (THA) conducted its annual symposium at a new venue in Reno this year, the Grand Sierra Resort (GSR). As is the case every year, Golden Eagles from all flights were well represented joining Tailhook membership, supporters, and sponsors at Hook ‘24 this year. The symposium theme was ‘Be Ready’ with panel agenda focusing on Naval Aviation’s modern-day warfighter. Thirty-seven Flag and General officers participated to include three Four-Star Flag officers and eight Three-Star Flag or General officers. Of note, this year’s Tailhook Educational Foundation (TEF) scholarship was named to honor and pay tribute to former Golden Eagle ADM Leighton W. “Snuffy” SMITH Jr. USN (Ret). Fittingly, three members from ‘Snuffy’ Smith’s family were official guests at Hook ’24. Attendees had the opportunity to meet ‘Sir Snuffy’s wife, Golden Eagle Widow Mrs. Dottie Smith and their two daughters, Ms. Page Lewis and CAPT DeeDee Smith USN. All three participated in several Hook ’24 events, including Saturday’s awards luncheon and banquet where the Smiths were officially and honorably recognized by the THA Board Chairman and Golden Eagle RADM Mike “Nasty” MANAZIR USN (Ret). The Smiths received standing ovations from all participating these festive events. Also of note, Dottie, Page and DeeDee were seated with Golden Eagle Pilot VADM Marty “Streak” CHANIK USN (Ret)’s and newly selected Golden Eagle VADM Chip “Bullet” MILLER USN (Ret)’s table at the Saturday evening banquet. 

In September 2024, West Flight Golden Eagles were represented in the Palomar Airport Association’s (PAA) annual youth event at McClellan-Palomar Airport, Carlsbad, California. This free Youth Aviation Meeting, called ‘S.T.E.M Taking Flight!’, focused on the science of flight and educating young people desiring a career in aviation. Exhibitors who provided information and training were civilian, commercial, military and Law Enforcement pilots and aircrew, aircraft owners and maintainers, aircraft controllers, aviation weather experts as well as airport leadership. Briefed and discussed topics included introducing local youth and their parents to various aviation opportunities, training options and aviation academic curriculum. West Flight Golden Eagle CAPT Rodger WELCH USN (Ret) provided aviation-related S.T.E.M. curriculum considerations, academic undergraduate scholarship information and potential educational and flight training tracks to attending youth and their parents. Finally in September, Southeast Flight’s Golden Eagle CAPT Sterling “Sterls” GILLIAM and West Flight’s CAPT Rodger WELCH USN (Ret), both USN (Ret) participated in ‘Growler Week’ at NAS Whidbey Island (NASWI) and in nearby Anacortes, Washington. Highlights of the week’s event included a NASWI flight line, base leadership and local retired Naval Aviators social at the in Anacortes where Mayor Matt Miller (also a former Naval Aviator) attended, a golf tournament at NASWI golf course and a local ‘Brewfest’ nearby the golf course. Of note, NASWI squadron members led by junior officers and their wives from each squadron took on the responsibility of decorating each of the 18 tee-boxes in their squadron colors and serving snacks and beverages to the golfers as they passed through. This festive golfing outing is a tradition at the NASWI formerly “Prowler” now “Growler” week each year. 

In October 2024, West Flight participated in the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association (“River Rats”) Annual Reunion in Tucson, Arizona. Additionally, the following West Flight Golden Eagles participated in the Memorial Service and Celebration Of Life for Golden Eagle CAPT William S. ‘Bud’ ORR USN (Ret) at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California: Golden Eagles CAPT Jeff ‘Bones’ ASHBY, VADM William “Bill” BOWES, RADM Jay “Rabbit” CAMPBELL, CAPT George “Elwood” DOM, CAPT Leonard “Len” GIULIANI, RADM Robert “Burner Bob” HICKEY, CAPT Dennis IRELAN, CDR Greg “Shifty” PEAIRS, and CAPT Rodger WELCH, all USN (Ret). Golden Eagles Emeritus RADM Bobby LEE USN (Ret) also participated. Additionally, Golden Eagle widows Tere Wilson, and Fran Orr joined both events. The Memorial Service ended with an on-time, on-target, perfectly executed four FA-18 Super Hornet missing man formation fly-over by the VFA-146 Blue Diamonds, one of Golden Eagle Bud ORR’s former commands. 

In November 2024, West Flight held our fall mini reunion lunch at the Coronado Yacht Club in Coronado, California on Thursday, 14 November 2024. 55 West Flight Golden Eagles, their spouses and three Golden Eagle widows, Clare Christiansen, Sandra Dodge, and Tere Wilson participated in the event. Also attending and providing a short brief were Mary and Marc Buonaguidi, our West Flight Reunion Coordinators for the Golden Eagles 2025 Reunion in Coeur d ‘Alene, Idaho. Tim Young, West Flight Golden Eagle CAPT Howard “Howie” YOUNG USN (Ret)’s son, also joined us for lunch. Also in November, Many Golden Eagles from the West Flight and the Northeast Flight participated in the Washington DC Tailhook Ready Room social at the Lockheed Martin headquarters Building in Crystal City, Virginia. There we joined eighty-plus other local Naval Aviators at this gala holiday social event. 

In December 2024, West flight Golden Eagles had a large showing at the Tailhook headquarters where over a dozen West Flight Golden Eagles participated in a Tailhook local Ready Room social in San Diego at the Tailhook headquarters where we joined nearly one hundred Tailhook Naval Aviators at their Christmas open house. 

In January, the San Diego Tailhook Ready Room joined the annual Tailhook winter social at the Top of the Fish House next to the USS Midway Museum. Golden Eagles from all flights in town for the AFCEA WEST convention participated in this social event with local Tailhook members and their guests at Seaport Village. Later in January, in the capacity Chairman of the Tailhook Association Board of Directors and Executive Director of the Tailhook Educational Foundation, Golden Eagles VADM Mike MANAZIR and CAPT Rodger WELCH, both USN (Ret), visited the Grand Sierra Resort (GSR) owner Mr. Alex Meruelo in Las Vegas, Nevada on 24 January 2025 to discuss preparations and plans for the upcoming Hook 2025 symposium at the GSR in Reno, Nevada. 

In February 2025, West Flight Golden Eagles and their spouses participated in our winter mini reunion lunch at the Coronado Yacht. Also attending and were Mary and Marc Buonaguidi, our West Flight Reunion Coordinators for the Golden Eagles 2025 Reunion in Coeur d ‘Alene (CDA), Idaho. West flight lead provided a detailed slide and photo briefing on the CDA area and resort facilities to all in attendance. 

In March 2025, West Flight lead Golden Eagle CAPT Rodger WELCH joined Southeast Flight’s RADM Fred LEWIS, CDR Royal GORDON III all USN (Ret) and a handful of other Golden Eagles from the Southeast Flight participating in a local Tailhook Ready Room social at the Warriors Pub in Virginia Beach, Virginia. During this visit, Rodger also met with the LSO School Officer in Charge and toured the LSO School at NAS Oceana. While there, he flew the new ‘Pilot Landing Mode’ (PLM) simulator and dusted off his former CVW-8 ‘PADDLES’ to wave day and night carrier qualifications (including with the MOVLAS) in the state-of-the-art LSO dome simulator. 

Next, Golden Eagle Rodger WELCH USN (Ret) was the guest speaker at the VFA-122 Flying Eagles Change of Command at NAS Lemoore, California. CAPT Kristen ‘Dragon’ Findlay turned over the Flying Eagle helm to CDR Mike ‘Wax’ Feagans. Dragon, the Tailhook President, is headed to CVW-9 as their prospective Deputy CAG. To close out March 2025, West Flight Golden Eagle CAPT Rodger WELCH USN (Ret) participated in the base Change of Command onboard Naval Air Station Fallon Nevada. During this visit, meetings to discuss preparations for the Hook 2025 symposium were conducted at the Grand Sierra Resort (GSR). Of note, GSR Meetings and Event Services Director, Jerry Mautner and Director of Meeting Sales, Julie Greer were our guests to the Change of Command. 

From 23 - 27 April 2025, West Flight hosted the 2025 Golden Eagle reunion at the Coeur d’ Alene resort and golf course in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. Reunion attendance was just under 260 total participants who gathered at this spectacular venue where the dining and activity-options were outstanding and abundant. Golden Eagles in attendance all gave brilliant reviews of their week’s visit to this remarkable reunion location.

Southeast Flight History 2024-2025

Southeast Flight History 2024-2025 This past year’s report ended when the lights were turned off at the Jacksonville Hyatt Riverfront Hotel after an extraordinarily successful Reunion in April 2024. Flight leader Sundance Harrison turned the Flight over to Dennis Dizzy Gillespie. Under Jeff’s leadership and the guidance of Shadow, a team of about a dozen put together and extremely professional and fun get together working with Molly Dey from Armed Forces Reunions. We said goodbye to 13 American Heroes and 10 of their Honored Spouses who sacrificed years of their lives for every one of us. As an added note, Deacon Luke Memminger, a combat FA18 pilot provided an exceptional invocation, remarks and benediction to the entire group. He will be ordained a priest in the Anglican church in June 2025. 

The next item on the docket was to plan an execute a Southeast Flight Mini Reunion slated for November 2024. All the pieces were in place when the south east region of the United States was hit by multiple catastrophic hurricanes specifically a Cat 4 Helene and a Cat 5 Milton which combined to impact the entire southeast region with deadly effects. The reunion to be held at One Ocean resort on Atlantic Beach had to be canceled. 

Throughout the following year, we all experience the Last Takeoffs of Richard Brown, Tom Watson and his wife Lynn, Jon McBride and Melvin Sautter. Eulogies for our fallen brothers were delivered by Kent Ewing, Bob Crippen, Howard DeCastro and Charlie Bolden at the April 2025 reunion in Coeur d’Alene Idaho. The venue and schedule of events orchestrated by Rodger Welch and his team from the West flight were spectacular in EVERY RESPECT! The Memorial service was an emotional event led by Chaplain Darold “Big Daddy” Bigger whose comments left the entire audience misty eyed. 

Southeast Flight welcomed our new members Craig and Betty Langbehn, Ray and Debby Thomas, Bill and Patricia Moran, Andrew and Maggie Lewis and Ken and Elizabeth Glueck. No one wanted to leave the spectacular sites of northern Idaho, but it was time to go. Southeast Flight will now focus on a mini reunion weather permitting in either September or November of this year, looking forward to another full Reunion next year in Lansdowne Maryland hosted by Northeast Flight. 

SE Flight will host our next major reunion in April 2028. Contact has already been made with Charlie from Armed Forces Reunions to look at a menu of locations to include Virginia Beach, Savannah, Georgia, return to Jacksonville and Daytona Beach.

Central Flight History: April 2024 – April 2025

The 2025 Golden Eagle Reunion, hosted by West Flight, was held in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho from 23-27 April. An outstanding event at a very beautiful resort. 

2 June 2024. Micholas “Mongo” Mongillo joined Central Flight as a new member of the Golden Eagles.

11 June 2024. Kendal “Huck” Card joined Central Flight as a new member of the Golden Eagles.

17 February 2025. Golden Eagle Central Flight Emeritus member CAPT Fred A. W. “Bill” Franke, USN (Ret) made his Last Take Off at his home in Pensacola, Florida, surrounded by loved ones. He was 98 years old.

8 April 2025. Joseph P. “Judge” Donovan Sr., Golden Eagle Central Flight, transferred to Emeritus status.

26 April 2025. A meeting of all the members of the Golden Eagles Central Flight took place to review the options for hosting the 2027 Golden Eagles annual reunion. The Board approved location was Pensacola, Florida but the exact property selected for the reunion was still being reviewed. AFRI is the selected contractor to coordinate all aspects of the reunion and will work with the Flight on final selection for the reunion. 

26 April 2025. Charles “Sly” Magill assumed the duties of Flight Leader for Golden Eagles Central Flight from Daniel “Gabby” Gabriel.

North East Flight History April 2024 – April 2025

The highlight of the 2024 was the 2024 GE Reunion (24-28 April) hosted by Southeast Flight in Jacksonville, FL. Thank you to SE Flight for your dedicated efforts. 

Following the reunion, NE Flight came back to DC to provide Honorary Pallbearers (HPBs) for the funeral of CDR Robert “Bob” AUMACK, USN (Ret) on 29 April at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC). NE Flight GEs were joined by RADM Fred LEWIS (SE Flight) and CAPT Rodger WELCH (West Flight) to remember CDR AUMACK’s distinguished life of service and to extended sympathy to his Family at a graveside service. Bob was awarded 2 DFC and 7 Air Medals for combat operations in Vietnam and 1 DFC (non-combat) for performing a dead-stick landing of his F4U-5 aircraft aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) in 1951. 

On 6 May, NE Flight and CAPT Rodger WELCH turned out to celebrate the life of CAPT Robert E. “Gene” TUCKER, Jr., USN (Ret) and to support his Family at a graveside service at ANC. CAPT Tucker’s distinguished service included 6,186 flight hours, 1284 carrier landings, 2 combat tours in Vietnam, highlighted by a MIG-21 kill on a night mission in 1972. Gene was awarded the Silver Star, DFC, and 26 Air Medals.

After three years of hard work and dedication, Col Dave “Frosty SEDER, USMC (Ret) turned over Flight Lead of NE Flight to Col Larry “Bandit” OUTLAW, USMC (Ret). A special thank you was extended to Frosty for his outstanding leadership. 

Sadly, Amante CARLQUIST, widow of Golden Eagle CAPT Roger Carlquist, USN (Ret), passed away on 20 March 2024, and we attended her graveside service with her Family at ANC on 13 June. Amante and Roger had been married 70 years when Roger passed away on 11 May 2018. NE Flight GEs and CAPT Rodger WELCH provided HPB support for a graveside service for CDR Dean “Diz” LAIRD, USN (Ret) on 21 June. Diz was the U.S. Navy’s last living WWII ACE and the only one to shoot down both German and Japanese aircraft. He finished WWII with 5 ¾ kills. A fly-over was performed by 4 T-45C Goshawk aircraft from Training Wing Six, NAS Pensacola, FL. 

NE Flight had our quarterly luncheon on 24 July with thirty-nine Golden Eagles and spouses at the Mount Vernon Country Club in Alexandria. This was a great opportunity to catch up with old Friends, tell war stories, and lie about golf scores and the fish that got away. VADM DeWolfe/Chip “Bullet” H. MILLER III, USN (Ret) became our newest Golden Eagle, along with his Wife, Ellen, to join NE Flight on 8 Sep. Bullet would be the only new member NE Flight would receive for the year. 

On 24 Sep, fourteen GEs across all flights gathered to honor the distinguished legacy of MajGen Dennis “Jersey” KRUPP, USMC (Ret) and to comfort his Family at a graveside service at ANC. Following the service, a Celebration of Jersey’s Life was held at Patton Hall, Fort Myer. Jersey was a “Leader of Marines” who “paid it forward” every day to make Naval Aviation better. 

A graveside service was held for CAPT John “Jude” and Janice “Jan” LAHR, USN (Ret) on 10 Oct at ANC. NE Flight GEs along with CAPT Pete “Pedro” DODGE (West Flight) and CAPT Rodger WELCH served as HPBs to honor Jude & Jan. They had been married for 68 years when Jan passed away in Feb 2022. Several of Jude’s old Squadron mates to include GEs Pete “Pedro” DODGE and CAPT Eugene “Red” McDANIEL attended the service and after told great stories about Jude and Jan at the Celebration of Life. 

On 11 Oct, NE Flight and CAPT Rodger WELCH participated in a graveside service at ANC for ADM James “Jim” B. BUSEY IV, USN (Ret) to honor his distinguished legacy. He enlisted in the Navy as an E-1 in 1952 and retired as a 4-Star Admiral in 1989. Jim was laid to rest with Jean, his Wife of 54 years who was buried at ANC in 2008. 

Col Melvin H. “Mel” SAUTTER, USMC (Ret). On 6 Nov, NE Flight GEs turned out for a graveside service at Quantico National Cemetery to honor Col SAUTTER’s remarkable life. Jane SAUTTER, Mel’s Wife of 69 years, expressed her appreciation for the support that she had received from both SE and NE Flights and reiterated how important Golden Eagle membership was to Mel. 

Golden Eagle Emeritus RADM Robert “Bob” H. SHUMAKER was inducted into the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame at a banquet in Williamsburg, VA on 16 Nov. Golden Eagle and fellow POW CAPT J. Charles “Plumber” PLUMB introduced RADM SHUMAKER and told the story of his eight years in captivity at the “Hanoi Hilton.” Other Golden Eagles who have been inducted into the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame include: Col Ron GATEWOOD (2018), Gen Jack DAILEY (2008) and VADM Donald ENGEN (1987). 

NE Flight held our quarterly luncheon 20 Nov with thirty-six Golden Eagles and spouses in attendance at the Mount Vernon Country Club in Alexandria, VA. 

We had a great time catching up and enjoyed a presentation by one of our own, RADM Mike “Nasty” MANAZIR– Top Gun Fighter Pilot, Tailhooker, legendary LSO, and author of Learn How to LEAD to WIN. Nasty’s career stories were terrific, and the GE fellowship was superb. 

In late January and early February 2025, Golden Eagles VADM Anthony A. “Tony” LESS, CAPT Eugene “Red” McDANIEL, and Gen John R. “Jack” DAILEY were approved for Emeritus status. They remain important members of The Golden Eagles and NE Flight. 

NE Flight’s quarterly luncheon was held on 12 March at the Mount Vernon Country Club with 31 Golden Eagles, Spouses, and Guests in attendance. We had a good gathering after a very cold January & February. Everyone truly enjoyed the presentation by one of our own, VADM Mark “MRT” FOX about his MIG-21 kill enroute to drop bombs on his strike target at the beginning of Desert Storm (17 Jan 1991). Thank you MRT on a great brief. Jeanne L. DORSEY, Wife and caregiver of Golden Eagle Emeritus VADM Jame F. “Yank” DORSEY, Jr., USN (Ret) died on 11 Mar 2025, and NE Flight GEs attended her Funeral Mass in Silver Spring, MD on 12 April. Interment will be at ANC at a future date. 

NE Flight is next up with the 2026 GE Reunion at Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg, VA (8-12 April 2026), and Col Dave “Frosty” Seder has volunteered to take to lead for the reunion planning effort. With zoom technical support from LtGen Keith “Shadow” STALDER, Frosty held our first online meeting on 19 April to organize the planning team and set the battle rhythm. 

NE Flight ended the 2024-2025 year by attending the 2025 GE Reunion (23-27 April) at Coeur d’Alene Resort, ID. Coeur d’Alene was spectacular location, and the events were executed extremely well. BZ to West Flight for a job well done.